Cheshire-based developer Sirdar Estates is hoping to benefit from the glut of distressed apartment block schemes in central Manchester by resurrecting them for retirement homes.

Crispin Reeves, director of Tattenhall-based Sirdar, said talks were ongoing with several vendors within the inner ring road of Manchester. He added: "We believe that people in their later years who have lived in inner city districts throughout their lives have little choice but to leave when they eventually require supported living. Why should the elderly population have to move to what they might consider unfamiliar, rural or semi-rural surroundings due to a lack of suitable accommodation in city centres? We're excited about the prospect of taking our continuing care community model vertical and creating a fully-supported retirement community in the heart of Manchester."

Sirdar is currently seeking a detailed planning consent for its £35m, 180-unit scheme at Christleton near Chester, to be operated by national care provider Housing 21.